Singapore Investigates Baccarat Side Bets for Links to Criminal Activity
Introduction to Singapore’s Gambling Oversight
The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA), Singapore’s primary gambling overseer, has intensified efforts to prevent illegal activities linked to gambling. A key focus is now on the side bets offered in games like baccarat. The regulator is exploring if these alternative betting options might be exploited for money laundering or other criminal purposes.
Using Data Analysis to Spot Criminal Patterns
GRA Chief Tan Hee Tow has emphasized the importance of evaluating whether current regulations effectively deter illegal activity. Despite strict anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) measures in legal casinos, there remains the risk of these venues being used to process illicit gains. Additionally, isolated incidents involving disgruntled gamblers highlight some problematic behavior.
This scrutiny is crucial given the consequences observed in other regions, notably Australia. There, major casino operators like Star Entertainment Group and Crown Resorts have faced repeated regulatory challenges due to failures in preventing illegal gambling activities.
Tan remarked that recent events in Australia demonstrate the critical need for operators to maintain safer gambling environments. Where operators fall short, regulators are increasingly enforcing stronger measures.
In its 2024/2025 Annual Report, GRA revealed ongoing enhancements to its data analytics and visualization capabilities. These tools aim to help identify suspicious trends and anticipate regulatory issues more effectively. The authority is also collaborating with casino operators to gather and examine data on emerging bet types to determine if these new options inadvertently facilitate illegal gambling practices.
Focus on Problem Gambling and Responsible Gaming
Beyond data, human oversight remains essential. Casino staff and analysts play a vital role in detecting and managing risks. Recent statistics show a slight decrease in casino visits in Singapore, with patronage at Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa dropping from 99,000 in 2023 to 94,000 in 2024. Studies suggest that gambling-related harm impacts about 1.1% of the local population—a relatively low figure but one that still demands attention.
The GRA is committed to making problem gambling a priority, pledging to integrate artificial intelligence technologies to improve the detection of abnormal activities and identify individuals who may be at risk. This approach aims to enable quicker and more effective interventions where necessary.
